With school about to start, the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office is passing along safe driving reminders

As the school year begins, the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office would like to remind the public to be cautious when driving during school hours. Make sure you know the laws, and share the following information with your friends:

• It is illegal to pass a school bus from the rear when the amber or red lights are flashing.
• When approaching a bus from the front, drivers should proceed cautiously at no more than 25 miles per hour while the amber lights are on, and be prepared to stop.
• Drivers must stop a minimum of 15 feet away from the bus when the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is out.
• The penalty for violating school bus laws is an automatic driver's license suspension and a fine.
  

School bus safety laws are designed to keep our children safe, and it is
everyone's responsibility to do their part to know and abide by these
laws.

For more information on school bus safety laws, visit
http://www.iowadot.gov/schoolbus/requiredstopping.html or call the
Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office at 563-382-4268.